The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has praised Dangote Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks across Nigeria, describing it as a major step toward achieving a cleaner, more cost-effective transport system.
Speaking at the recently concluded West Africa Economic Summit (WAES) in Abuja, PCNGI Commercial Coordinator Tosin Coker said the move is a “landmark development” that highlights growing confidence in Nigeria’s shift to gas-powered transportation.
He noted that Dangote’s large-scale investment proves that CNG is no longer just a future goal, but a practical, present-day solution to reduce energy costs, emissions, and logistics risks.
Coker emphasized that the PCNGI is committed to encouraging adoption of CNG by supporting investment, innovation, and infrastructure development. He revealed that the Initiative is partnering with Dangote Group to expand CNG use nationwide, especially in logistics and haulage. This includes regulatory support for their CNG vehicle and refueling station rollout, and ensuring all infrastructure meets safety and design standards.
Over the past year, PCNGI has made notable progress, with around 300 conversion centres already operational in at least 20 states. The number of CNG refueling stations is also steadily rising, with a target of reaching every local government and setting up 1,000 stations by 2027.
To make conversions more affordable, the initiative is working with banks and financial institutions like Credicorp to help civil servants, teachers, and other taxpayers access flexible payment options through programs such as the CALM Fund.
Coker also highlighted global confidence in CNG’s safety, citing its widespread use in countries like India, Brazil, Iran, and Poland. He explained that CNG is safer than petrol due to its higher ignition temperature and lighter-than-air properties, which make it disperse quickly in the event of a leak.
To ensure safety, PCNGI has implemented strict training, certification, and monitoring standards in collaboration with regulators such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). An upcoming system, the Nigeria Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS), will further enhance safety and regulation.
The Dangote Refinery’s investment in 4,000 CNG-powered tankers is expected to significantly support these efforts and help fast-track Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
